Boarding establishments

Boarding establishments house dogs and/or cats for their owners when their owners are away from home. Boarding establishments can offer either day boarding or overnight boarding or both.

Boarding establishments are normally established as a cattery and/or kennel. However, some small boarding businesses may offer "Home Boarding" for up to 2 animals from the same household at any given time.

All Boarding Establishments must register as a Domestic Animal Business with the local council in the municipality that they reside.

It is important that anyone thinking about utilising a Boarding establishments is familiar with the minimum legal and welfare requirements that establishment is required to meet. The Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments is mandatory for all registered Domestic Animal Businesses – Boarding Establishments.

Tips when boarding pets at a kennel or cattery:

Book well in advance to ensure you get a place during busy school or public holiday periods (you may need to book many months ahead).

Visit the boarding establishment to make sure you're happy with the facilities, cleanliness and staff.

Ensure your pet is vaccinated, microchipped and all worming and other medications are up to date.

Help your pet feel more at home by leaving it with familiar items (eg your old jumper) and its favourite toys.

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.